Reducing stress for students is an important goal for those seeking to support their well-being and academic success. The American Psychological Association (APA) recently conducted a study and found that the levels of stress experienced by adolescents are comparable to those reported by adults. This degree of stress can have a significant impact on general wellbeing, relationships, and academic performance.
It is suggested that adolescents are being exposed to an excessive amount of long-term stress and are not equipped to adequately manage it. Approximately 30% perceive themselves to be overwhelmed, despondent, or sorrowful due to this phenomenon.
The negative impacts of stress on health-related behaviours are well-documented; students often find themselves with reduced physical activity, poor sleep patterns, and poor dietary habits. This is particularly true of those who, according to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, have a full day of school and extracurricular activities, but still find time to do homework.
Common sources of student stress include:
- School
- Homework
- Extracurricular activities
- Social challenges
- Transitions (e.g., graduating, moving out, living independently)
- Relationships
- Pressure to succeed
- Work
Here are some tips for helping students reduce stress:
Encourage Physical Activity:
Regular exercise has been shown to help reduce stress levels. Encourage students to engage in physical activities, such as yoga, running, or playing sports, that they enjoy.
Teach Time Management:
Good time management skills can help students prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Teach students how to prioritize tasks and create a schedule that balances academic, social, and leisure time.
Have an online tutoring service:
A good way to help you cope up with studies is to hire an online tutoring service like Maths Tutoring Liverpool as they have a wide range of services to offer for you if school is already too much for you.
Promote Healthy Eating Habits:
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help reduce stress levels. Encourage students to eat nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and limit their intake of processed and high-fat foods.
Encourage Sleep:
Sleep is important for reducing stress levels and improving overall health. Teach students the importance of getting enough sleep each night and provide tips for developing healthy sleep habits.
Offer Relaxation Techniques:
Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce stress. Encourage students to try these techniques when they feel overwhelmed and provide resources for learning more about these practices.
Provide a Supportive Environment:
Creating a supportive environment, such as a safe and inclusive classroom, can help reduce stress levels for students. Encourage students to connect with peers and teachers, seek out help when needed, and foster a sense of community. It is also important to have emotional support when facing stressors, but it is also true that students can experience anxiety when they are in interpersonal relationships. Transitions such as moving away for college, changes in friendships, and romantic breakups can be particularly difficult and lead to a great deal of stress. Nurturing existing relationships and expanding one’s support network can help to ensure that during times of difficulty, there is a support system to rely upon.
Listen to music:
Listening to music has been proven to reduce stress and provide cognitive benefits. Depending on the type of music, it can help to relax or energize the body and mind. Scientific research has demonstrated that upbeat music can increase processing speed and memory. Therefore, it is beneficial for individuals who are feeling overwhelmed to listen to calming music in order to relax. A recent study revealed that students who listened to calming music were able to better cope after enduring a stressful event. Students can make the most of music by playing classical music to help them focus, listening to soothing music to help them relax, or playing music to help them stay alert.
Encourage Self-Care:
Self-care is essential for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. Encourage students to engage in activities that bring them joy and help them relax, such as hobbies or spending time with friends and family.
By implementing these strategies, educators and support staff can help students reduce stress and promote their overall well-being. By prioritizing their mental and physical health, students can be better equipped to succeed academically and in life.
